Etsy Interview with Crowstar Designs

I'm Kim. I was born in the 1960's in the Midwest and have lived here all my life. I like the fact that I live near Lake Michigan, as I can't imagine what it would like to be landlocked!

I am married with two children--two teenagers actually. My husband is a teacher, and I am currently in search of employment. Besides making jewelry for my shop, Crowstar Designs, I enjoy knitting, reading (I am a huge fan of Victorian novels, and one of my favorites writers is Charles Dickens), sewing, writing and traveling.

I am a cat fanatic, and in fact one of my black cats (who is very large) makes sounds like a crow, and so he was part of the inspiration for my shop name :) The star part comes from the Star card of the tarot deck, which signifies boundless creativity, the expression of dreams, hope and energy.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I have always loved beads, and even in high school I was making simple beaded necklaces out of seed beads (I still have a lovely one that I patiently strung to arrange the beads in the order of the colors of the rainbow).
However, I really began making jewelry in earnest when one of my favorite beaded bracelets broke. I had collected and saved the beads, so my sister took me to the greatest bead store, Planet Bead, here in Milwaukee in order to find the things I needed to re-string my bracelet. Which I did, and then I was mad for beading ever after.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I was an Etsy shopper long before I became an Etsy seller. I first became aware of Etsy when I noticed an ad for the site in Craft magazine. Initially I was intimidated by the site, perhaps I thought the items would be too expensive, but then a co-worker purchased a handbag on the site, and so I ventured on to Etsy and fell in love with all of the wonderful handmade items.

Two years later I started thinking about becoming a seller, and again I was hesitant. Then I took it all step by step nd realized that it wasn't as difficult to set up a shop as I had thought!

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

First of all I love the support that Etsy provides to sellers, pretty much walking you through setting up your shop and working out the other details.

I also enjoy all of the creativity on the site--the clever names, the fun descriptions for items, the unique profiles. It is so different purchasing from Etsy than from any other site--you never know what to expect, but everything is great and fun!

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Beads themselves inspire me, just looking for them, at them, it gives me so much energy. I recently went to the Bead Show in Milwaukee with my daughter, and we wandered from vendor to vendor just taking turns exclaiming over the selections. When I'm in a bead store I often realize that I'm talking to myself about what I am looking at.
I also am inspired by light, since I love the sparkle of crystals and the way light moves through materials such as glass or resin.

I have such eclectic tastes that it is inspirational to try to express myself in so many different styles--the funky look of vintage Lucite, the glamor of crystals, the clean shine of silver, the Victorian look of antique brass.
Not to sound corny, but my family, especially my husband and my daughter keep me going with all of their support!

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

I have several pendants made from prisms that I've found myself wearing with pretty much every outfit I have. They are also available in my Crowstar shop. I love the sparkle of the crystal and the simplicity of the design. When the sunlight hits the prism it sends sparks of light shooting everywhere!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

First I want people to enjoy and cherish what they purchase from me.
I would also like to create a more cohesive style in my shop. When I first opened Crowstar, I think I went a little crazy with making whatever interested me (which is a good thing), but I'd like towards giving my jewelry a unique but identifiable style.

I suppose I'd also like to be overwhelmed by sales, but I will be satisfied by what comes my way.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

I have been playing with the idea of making and selling beaded clutches. I have made a few samples. I use seed beads and stitch them to the fabric following the pattern of the material.
For my jewelry, I am hoping to be able to do some more things with resin beads. I love how light, colorful and versatile they are.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I am not talented with blogging or Facebook. I am afraid that I'm too old fashioned and a little stuck in my traditional ways. I do hope to take my wares to local craft events. Other then that, Etsy is my sole venue.